Do you permanently need a coach?

When you consider working with a coach, do you imagine the timescale of your time together? Is it a short-lived, discrete project (with a start, a middle and an end) or a longer-term relationship? For many people at the beginning of their coaching journey, the only exposure they have to coaching is from the sports performance world. Where a Coach is a long-standing member of that professional’s team; therefore, it’s no surprise that you may think that this is how non-sporting coaches work. Whilst everyone’s needs vary, I’m going to give you my thoughts on the question “do you permanently need a coach”?

If you are in a rush, I’m going to answer this question quickly for you. 

No, you don’t permanently need a coach.

If you have an end goal in mind, there will be times that you feel like you have reached where you need to be. You can continue your journey using the tools, the confidence and insight the person has provided independently. You may find that new challenges or issues arise; your previous coach may be the person that can help you again, based on the rapport, their expertise, and your current resources. However, even if they have helped you before, they may not be the support you need for the future. So don’t feel uncomfortable approaching another person to help you in this new phase in your life. 

The longer version of this answer (unsurprisingly) begins by asking yourself some questions to understand your needs. 

What is your end goal?

Rather than starting with the person or service you need, start with the end in mind. What does success look like for you? Sometimes, understanding what you want to finish with, can help you understand where you need to begin. Is it a new job, a business, physical or mental health changes or knowledge? Understanding what you want to metaphorically walk away from, can help you to understand who needs to help you. Don’t know where to start, then this goal-setting blog will help.  When you consider your end goal you can check in regularly and understand if you still need support.  

Next, consider how do you want to be helped?

A coach is a person who works with you to achieve your goals, quicker together than you would do on your own! They don’t tell you what to do, they don’t tell you what not to do. They simply ask questions that delve deep into your beliefs, your values and your plans to enable you to find the next step. They offer you accountability and someone to share your successes with!

The best coaching relationship exists when the person has a goal in mind; something that is achievable and that you can take action on and progress with. For many people, they don’t want a Coach, they want a Mentor; someone who has walked a path before them and can share specific experiences and advice. Whilst both of these can be coaching-style relationships, it’s important you are aware of the limitations of both styles. So, if you feel like you need more or less information, it may be time to change the way you are working with the person. 

Finally, ask “when can you focus”? 

You may have all the best intentions in the world, but your resources (time, attention and/or money) may have more of an influence than you would like to believe. Do your current responsibilities give you the chance to access 1:1 live coaching during the day? Or would you prefer something that is self-supported? Are you actually open to change (as many people may say they are but aren’t actually in a place where they are comfortable with the challenge). If you feel like your progress is slowing down with your current coach, ask yourself are you giving the time and attention that is needed? 

I often say that one of my measures of success is that my coachee doesn’t need to work with me again. If I give them the tools and insight to create a career to enjoy, then they can continue through life trusting their intuition and carving out plans. If your needs have changed it’s Ok to feel like you have come to the end of a journey with a coach, it’s also OK to come back to a trusted coach when you have new goals. 

Talking as a coach that loves to build long-term relationships with their clients, I never want to be in a position where my things feel like they are stagnating; but this personal developmentally focused dynamic has to have two people in it! Over the past decade, I have worked 1:1 with four coaches; they have supported me with specific needs over this time. 

So, there you have it, my long answer to the question “do you permanently need a coach”; should you be in any doubt, my answer is “no”. However, EVERYONE can benefit from working with a coach, once you are clear about what you want to gain from the process.